Shortly after I felt God calling me into the ministry, I attended a seminar for those persons interested in learning more about what it meant to be an ordained pastor. Three ministers from the North Georgia Conference, all with many years of experience, shared some of their insights and offered words of advice and encouragement. I will never forget a comment made by one of the ministers. “In the ministry,” he said, “you will find that no two days are exactly alike.” I have discovered he was right.
I was thinking about his words the other day as I pondered all that is happening here at the Church right now.
To begin with, this Sunday, April 15, we will have Confirmation Sunday. More than 70 young people will stand at the altar in either the Contemporary or the Traditional Worship services and take their vows and become full members of Dunwoody United Methodist Church. What a glorious and special day that will be.
On April 22, during the Sunday School hour, our new Director of Youth Ministries, Dallas Pfeiffer, meets with the youth group. He brings nearly a decade of experience in Youth Ministry and Congregational Care from Christ UMC in Memphis. Dallas will lead an interactive lesson to help everyone get acquainted. What a great way to begin his ministry here.
On April 29, at 7:00 p.m., we will be having a benefit concert by Emmett Cahill. Emmett Cahill is an internationally known singer both as a soloist and as a part of the well-known Celtic Thunder. Tickets for the concert are $30.00 each, with all proceeds received by the Church going to help provide counseling for young people in the Dunwoody area. What a marvelous and special mission that will make possible.
On May 6, we will have Youth Sunday. As in years past, the youth will be leading the service. Each year this is such a blessing as these young people assume responsibility for the worship services. It is also an opportunity for us as a congregation to show our support and encouragement. What a wonderful and special worship service that will be.
On May 13, we will celebrate Mother’s Day. This year, we are inviting families to send in pictures of their mothers and those pictures will be shown on the screens prior to and immediately following the worship services. What a special way that is to remember and honor our mothers.
On May 14, the renovation work on the Sanctuary will begin. As you know, the chancel area will be undergoing tremendous change. The choir will be moving from the balcony to the front of the Church. Lighting, sound, and visual enhancements will make it possible for both the Contemporary and Traditional Services to be held in the Sanctuary. And eventually, we will have a new organ.
In the intervening months between now and the end of October, the Morning Prayer and Communion Service will move to their new home in the Chapel and the Traditional Service will start meeting in the Fellowship Hall.
As I alluded to at the beginning, a lot is happening right now. What an exciting time to be a member of Dunwoody United Methodist Church. What an exciting time to be a Christian.
Blessings,
Dan